Fluid-actuated mechanism



2 sheets-sheet 1 Dec. 9, 1924. y

J. C. HANNA FLUID ACTUATED MECHANISM Filed Feb. 27,1922

Dec, 9, 1924.

J. C. HANNA FLUID ACTUATED MECHANISM Filed Een, 27, 1922 2j sheets-sheet 2 Patented Dec. 9, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE..

JOHN C. HANNA, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ,AssIGNon To HANNA ENGINEERING WORKS,

OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION or ILLINOIS.

FLUID-ACTUATED `MEZGHANISM- Application filed February 27, I1922. v'Serial No. 539,380.

To all .fw/tom t may vof/tecra.'

Be it'known that I, JOHN (l. HANNA, a citizen of the Uni-ted yStates, residing at Chicago, `in the county 'of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fluid-Actuated VMechanism, :of which the following is a speciication. y

This invention relates to improvements in fluidv actuating mechanism and has vfor its object to provide a. mechanism in the nature of a. hoist, diiterentially actuated and especially adapted ytor the operation of constant weights, as, for exam le, in the opening and shutting of an oven door, 'or the like.

The principal Object of my invention is to provide -a simple and eilicient fluid actuated mechanism of this character' which will operate Jfor the majo-r por-tion of its `stroke at substantially high speed and for vthe re maining portion of its stroke 'at a reduced speed, so that, for-example,- when a heavy door is operated thereby thesame may be permitted to close for the lmajor portion of its ,movement at a relatively great speed, the closing movement being terminated at a reduced speed to reduc-e the momentum and yobtain substantially a cushion etliect at the final closure. lt will be appreciated Vthat many uses exist yfor such 'a mechanism and Il simply cite a specific example torclearness. In the 'embodiments of my invention shown in the 'accom'aanyingV drawing, I have provided a pair 4ont 'fluid actuated independently movable pistons of diiferent effective areas, the {iow otactuatin'g Huid being restricted in the actuation 'oi one of these pistons in order to provide a differential movement between the two.

These and other objects of thev details of the 'mechanism' will be more fully described and shown in the accompanyingv drawings, in whichf y Figure 1 is a vertical section through 'one embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 1el is a diagrammatic section of the controlling valve;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the form shown in Fig. 1 mounted for one method of use;

Fig. edv for 3 is a similar form shown as mounta 'different method of use;

Fig. l1 is a vertical section of a modification of the invention; 'and Fig. 5 :is :an 'application lof this modified form.

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings in which 10 designat-es wgenerally 'a cylinder having the cylinder heads 10a-10b. A yduct 10c 1s provided in the head 10il and a duct 10d in the cylinder head 10b. A reciprocal piston 11 reciprocally mounted in cylinder l0 is provided with a. relatively large piston rod 12 'projecting through a stuflin'g box 13, or the like, being provided with an engageable yoke or strap 141: at its projecting extremity. A second piston 15 is mounted for reciprocation in lcylinder 10 as shown in Fig. 1, for vexample, this piston being provided with a relatively small piston rod 16 extending through the stuliing 'box 17 in the cylinder head 1()b and provided with base plate 16a or theli-ke at its outer extremity. As is obvio-us, pistons 11 and 15 are mounted between the closed ends of the cylinder 10 for independent relative movement, an escape port 10 being provided in the wall 'of the cylinder 10 intermediate the pistons 11 'and 15.`

`An. actuating fluid supply vpipe 25 is providedy leading to a three-'way valve 26 illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 1a, valve control handle 26a being provided for actua- Y tion of the vali/e. From the valve 26 leads the exhaust pipe 28 which leads into the cylinder 10 between the pistons 11 and 15, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Also leading from the valve 26 is the main supply pipe 29, one branch 29aL leading to port 10d in cylinder head l()b and-the branch 291 leading tothe port 10 in cylinder head 10a. A throttle valve 30 is provided inthe branch line 29a which may be adjusted by a wrench or the like through the medium ofstem 30a to regulate and restrict the flow of the actuating fluid through the pipe 29a.

In Fig. 2 I have illustrated'one method of application of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1, in which the yoke 14 is in engagement with a hook 40 -or the like, in a sus-v pending beam 41, a hook 452 being carried m engagement with a weight or the like,

diagrammatically illustrated and designated by numeral 43. In this method of application, assuming the valve 26 to be in full line position shown in Fig. 1, the actuating fluid Will flow `through the branch pipes .29th-29b into the respective ends of the cylinder and pistons 11 and 15 will be moved together, the difference in effective area of such pistons partially or substantially balancing the restricted flow of the actuating fluid beneath piston 15. The pistons will be moved to the position shown in dotted lines, in Fig. 2 and full lines in Fig. 1, that is, their innermost 'limits of travel, and if the valve be'maintained in full line position the weight 43 will remain suspended. It should also be remarked that while the exhaust pipe 23 is closed with the type of valve shown, this movement of the pistons will be permitted, due to the escape port 10e, Which Will permit sufficiently rapid eiiiux of the air from between the pistons 11 and 15.

Upon movementof the valve 26 to dotted line position shown in Fig. 1, air may escape vfrom the ends of the cylinder into the exhaust pipe 28, therefrom into the cylinder between the pistons and out of the escape port 10e. Due to the unrestricted flow through pipe 29D and pipe 29, and due to the lesser effective area of the piston 11, as compared to piston 15, and also duc to the restricted outflow of fluid from Ybeneath the piston 15 through the throttle valve 30, when the parts are properly air-- ranged and regulated, piston 11 will complete its stroke in relatively short time and since the piston rod 12 'Y is considerably longer than piston rod 16, the major portion of the travel of weight. 43 will be at relatively high speed. As piston 11 completes its outward movement lthe speed of travel of the weight 43 is checked by the slower travel of piston 15,. At the same time, should the momentum ofthe weight be considerable, it will result in a rela-tively considerable compression of the actuating fluidbeneath piston l5 which may slightly hasten the escape thereof for a brief period of time until the momentum of the moving Weight is reduced, with consequent rcduction in the compression beneath piston` 15. This dropping of the pressure results in the normal restricted outflow through pipe 29a, its restriction; greatly checking or cushioning the final movement of the weight 43, moving the same to rest at a relatively reduced speed with respect to that of the major portion of its movement. The greater effective area of piston 15 results in greater resistance to the movementthereof, as will be apparent.

In the method of use illustrated in Fig. 3, the'cycle of operations is similar to that just described, the weight being actuated through the medium of pulleys and cable, the end of piston 16 being secured to a floor, base, or the like. In view of the similarityV of operation no further description of this form is believed to be necessary.

In some instances it is desirable to utilize this mechanism in connection with the direct lift., of a Weight,'and for thatpurpose I utilize the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings in which an upper' small cylinder 100y is provided and a lower large-cylinder 101, a division plate 102 being interposed between the cylinders forming a base for cylinder 100 and an'upper cylinder head for cylinder 101. Piston-105 is reciprocable incylinder V100 and piston 106 is reciprocable in cylinder 101, the former being of less diameter and provided with a piston rod 107, while piston 106 is obviously larger Aand provided with apiston rod 108. By this construction, as will be L obvious, the difference in effective areas is obtained by providing large and small cylinders and pistons. A duct 110 provided in the division plate 102 leads to cylinder 100, while a similar duct111 in the division plate leads to cylinder'lOl. Escape ports 100a and 101a are provided in the. cylinders 100 and 101 respectively. The air line 25, valve 26, pipe 29, branches 29fL and 29D, and throttle valve 30 are similar to the construction in Fig.k 1, for example. An exhaust pipe 2S is also provided, the same leading, however, from ductV 112 in'cylinder head 100X of cylinder and being in conection with the branch-23L leading to duct 113 in cylinder head 101X of cylinder 101.,

, In this embodiment of my invention,the

actuating fluid is supplied to the cylinders 100 and 101 to move the pistons 105 and 106 apart, escape of air from the opposite sides of said piston being permitted through escape parts 100a and 101?, as will be apparent. During the return ,movement of theweight 43 the lesser effective area of piston 105, together with the ,unrestricted escape of actuating fluid through duct 110,

llt)

would permit relatively rapid downward movement of the Weight yduring themajor portion off such movement. At the termination of travel ofthe' piston 105, the movement of the Weight is slowed and. checked by the larger piston 106, as will be obvious,y

the result being similar to that accomplished by the other embodiment ofmy'invention.

It Will be apparent that my invention is susceptible of embodiment in numerous forms and modifications, and I do not Wish to be restricted to the forms shown and described, except as defined in the appendedV claims. Y

What I claim isl 1. In a device of the class described, a

specti-vely, means dto apply V,actuating `fluid to the veffective areas .of .said .pistons nto move .a -vveight, and .means to permit :the exhaust --vveight 2; In 4a device of the Jclass described, a

cylinder, a apair of relativelyxmova'ble .pis-

.ftonszof lesser and greater effective areas .re-

spectively, means to apply actuating yfluid to the effective areas of said pistons to .move -a weight, and means to permit the exhaust l,of said -actuating fluid under .actuation .of

said pistons during return movement .of said Weight, one .of said pistonsfbeingsof relatively greater stroke than the other.

3. In a device of the class described, va cylinder, a pair of relatively movable pistons of lesser and greater effective areas respectively, means to apply actuating fluid tothe effective areas of said pistons to move a Weight, and means to permit the exhaust of said actuating fluid under actuation of said pist-ons during return movement of said Weight, said piston of lesser effective area being of greater stroke than the other.

4. In a device of the class described, a cylinder, a pair of relatively movable pistons of lesser and greater effective areas respectively, means to apply actuating fluid tothe effective areas of said pistons to move a weight, means to permit the exhaust of said actuating fluid under actuation of said pistons during return movement of said f Weight, and means to restrict the exhaust of the actuating fluid utilized to actuate one of said pistons.

5. In a device of the class described, a cylinder, a pair of relatively movable pistons of lesser and greater effective areas respectively, means to apply actuating fluid to the effective areas of said pistons to move a Weight, means to permit the exhaust of said actuating fluid under actuation of said pis- `tons during return movement of said Weight,

and means to restrict the exhaust of the actuating fluid utilized to actuate said piston of greater eective area.

6. In a device of the class described, a cylinder, apair of relatively movable pistons of lesser and greater effective areas respectively, means to apply actuating fluid to the eEective areas of said pistons to move a Weight, means to permit the exhaust of said actuating fluid under actuation of said pistons during return movement of said Weight, and means to restrict t-he exhaust of the actuating fluid utilized to actuate one of said pistons, said restricting means being adjustable.

7 In a mechanism ofthe class described, a pair of pistons, each of said pistons being reciprocally mounted in and relative to a cylinder, one of said pistons being of relatively great effective area, means to supply actuating vfluid 1,tothe ,eective tareas Vof said pistons 4v.to :reciprocate the ssame, and means to permit vthe escape of .air ,from opposite sides .of lsa-id apiston's during the lufidvactuated movement thereof 8. aumechanism-.of the class described,

a .of pistons, :each vof said pistons Ibeing -reciprocally mounted in and relative to .a

-.cylinder, Lone lof -said :pistons 'being yof :relatively kgreat veffective area, means y'to supply actuating `fil-uid :to 4the ,effective area-s tof said pistons Y:to 'reciprocate "the same, means 'to .permit the escape :of 4air from opposite sides vof :said :pistons `during the `fluid actuated movement thereof, and means to permit-:the exhaust ofsaid actuating Avflu-id upon the return stroke of said pistons.

9; In a mechanism .of `the class described, a pair of pistons, each of :said pistons Jbeing reciprocally mounted in and relative to a cylinder, one of said pistons being of relatively great effective area, means to supply actuating fluid to the effective areas of said pistons to reciprocate the same, means to permit the escape of airI from opposite sides of said pistons during the fluid actuated movement thereof, means to permit the exhaust of said actuating fluid upon the return stroke of said pistons, and means to restrict the escapeof the actuating fluid during the return stroke of said piston of greater effective area.

10. In a mechanism of the class described, a cylinder, a piston of relatively small effective area reciprocable in and relative to such cylinder, a second piston of relatively great effective area reciprocable in and relative to said cylinder, said first named piston being of' greater stroke, a fluid actuating supply line, ducts leading therefrom to said cylinder to supply actuating fluid to the effective areas of said pistons, an exhaust duct leading from said cylinder between said pistons, and a. valve means operable to throw said ducts into communication with the fluid supply line or with said exhaust means.

l1. In a mechanism of the class described, a cylinder, a piston of relatively small effective area reciprocable in and relative to such cylinder, a second piston of relatively great effective area reciprocable in and relative to said cylinder, said first named piston being of greater stroke, a fluid actuating supply line, ducts leading therefrom to said cylinder to supply actuating fluid to the effective areas of said pistons, an exhaust duct leading from said cylinder between said pistons, a valve means operable to throw said ducts into communication with the fluid supply line or with said exhaust means, and means to restrict the exhaust of the actuating fluid from said cylinder beneath said piston of greater area.

12. In a mechanism of the class described, a cylinder, a piston of relatively small effective area reciprocable therein and relative thereto, a second piston of relatively great area reciprocable therein and relative thereto, said first named piston being of relatively great stroke, a fluid supply line, ducts leading therefrom to said cylinder, a supply actuating fluid to actuate said pistons, a throttle valve mounted in one of said ducts to restrict the fiow of actuating fluid from beneath said piston of greater effective area, an exhaust duct leading Jfrom said cylinder between said pistons, and means to throw said exhaust duct into communication with said fluid supply ducts, said means being operable to cut out said communication and throw said supply ducts into communication with said fluid supply line.

13. In a mechanism of the class described, a cylinder, a piston of relatively small effective area reciprocable therein and relative thereto, a second piston of relatively great area reciprocable therein and relative thereto, said first named piston being of relatively great stroke, a fluid supply line, ducts leading therefrom to saidl cylinder, a

supply actuating fluid to actuate said pis- .i

tons, a throttle valve mounted in one of said ducts to restrict the flow of actuating fluid from beneathsaid piston of greater effec-- tive area, an exhaust duct leading from said cylinder between said pistons, and means to .Y

throw said exhaust duct into communication with said fiuid supply ducts, said means being operable toc-ut out said communication and throw said supply ducts into communication with said fluid supply line, said cyl- I have subscribed JOHN c; HANNA. 

